Standard Fashion Gazette Page - April 1888 Appraisal
Category: Print Ephemera
Description
This item is a single page from a publication identified as the "Standard Fashion Gazette." It features a black and white illustration of a woman wearing an elaborate wrap or coat, indicative of late 19th-century fashion. The headline reads "Standard Fashion Gazette. PUBLISHED BY THE IMPROVED PATTERNS." To the right of the illustration, there is a circular seal or emblem containing the words "Standard Fashion" and possibly an image of an eagle or similar symbol. Below this, there is text stating "IMPROVED PATTERNS." The date visible on the page is "1888. APRIL. 1888." indicating it was published in April of 1888. The lower right section of the page contains an advertisement or presentation box with the heading "PRESENTED BY Habighorst & Co." followed by "FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC DRY GOODS AND NOTIONS." The address is listed as "233, 235, 237 East 7th Street, ST. PAUL, MINN." There is a note at the bottom: "Note Premium Offer on Last Page". The paper itself appears aged, with visible creases, folds, and some dark stains, possibly from moisture exposure or general handling over time. The edges are somewhat rough, suggesting it may have been torn or removed from a larger bound volume. The illustration and text are clear, although the print quality reflects the technology of the era. The paper exhibits a yellowish-brown patina consistent with age. The detailed illustration of the fashion garment and the accompanying advertising details provide valuable context for the item's purpose and origin. It's a piece of historical ephemera, offering insights into fashion trends, publications, and businesses of the late Victorian period.
Appraisal Report
Based on my visual examination of the provided image, this Standard Fashion Gazette page from April 1888 appears authentic to the period. The printing style, paper aging, and content aligns with other examples of late 19th-century fashion publications and ephemera. The visible creases, folds, and stains indicate its age and use, which is expected for such paper items. While the condition is not pristine, it is typical for ephemera of this age that has not been professionally preserved. Factors impacting value include the clear illustration of the fashion garment, the identifiable publisher ("Standard Fashion Gazette"), the precise date (April 1888), and the specific advertiser details (Habighorst & Co., St. Paul, MINN.). This combination of elements makes it a useful reference for historical fashion, advertising, and local history research. Demand for this specific type of dated fashion ephemera exists within collector communities focused on vintage fashion, historical advertising, and social history. Its rarity is moderate; while individual pages from such publications are not unique, finding them intact, dated, and with clear advertising can be less common than unbound sheets. The noted condition issues, such as stains and rough edges, reduce the potential value compared to a better-preserved example. Authenticity determination is based solely on visual cues from the image. A full authentication would require in-person examination to assess paper quality, printing technique, and potential conservation issues more accurately. Provenance documentation detailing the item's history could also add significant value and confirm authenticity.
Appraisal Value
$30-50